Best Of Bets

Category: Horse Racing

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | January is coming

    St Leger Festival 2024 | January is coming

    After a small hiatus, the regular betting columns for Best Of Bets are back just in time for the start of the Doncaster St Leger meeting.

    When we left this column in July, the P/L stood at +15.7 points after a disappointing final few weeks.

    So, let’s dive into Day 1 of the Doncaster St Leger meeting.

     

    3:00 Doncaster – January @ 6/1 with SkyBet – 1pt EW

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    Ryan Moore has chosen to ride Ecstatic in the Group 2 May Hill Stakes, but Aidan O’Brien’s other runner January makes the most appeal to me.

    The two-year-old by Kingman has a smart pedigree as she is out of I Can Fly who finished a close second to Roaring Lion in the 2018 Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes.

    On debut, she ran a solid race behind stablemate Heavens Gate – who already had a race under her belt – which looks like good form as she has subsequently placed in two Group races and won the Ballyhane Stakes.

    Two starts later, she put in another solid performance in the Group 2 Airlie Stud Stakes, a race that has seen California Dreamer come out and finish behind the subsequent Group 1 winner Babouche in the Anglesey Stakes.

    Having won by a comfortable four lengths over seven and a half furlongs at Tipperary last time out, trying a mile for the first time looks like a natural step.

    Although this is her fifth race as a juvenile, I Can Fly was a highly-tried mare who continued to get better with age, so we probably won’t see the best of her until at least next season.

    Despite that, her form looks good enough to take a chance on her here.

     

    3:35 Doncaster – Night Sparkle @ 4/1 with BetVictor – 1pt Win

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    In what looks like a winnable Group 2 Park Hill Fillies’ Stakes, Night Sparkle has a great chance to break her run of near misses.

    Since moving to Andrew Baling from Michael O’Callaghan, she has run two solid races behind Term Of Endearment – the latest of which when finishing ahead of Ciaus Chorister who was second to Absurde at Chester recently – as well as two good runs against the boys over two miles.

    The first of which occurred in the Listed Marathon Stakes at Sandown when second to Trueshan and the second was in the Group 2 Lonsdale Cup behind Vauban, Al Nayyir, and Gregory.

    Both of those races look like good form and it looks as if 1m6f is the perfect distance for her.

    As much as Sumo Sam, on her second start after a wind-op, is a danger at 12/1, I think Night Sparkle has the ability to show her class in this company.

     

    4:40 Doncaster – Jorge Alvares @ 9/2 with William Hill – 1pt Win

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    Jorge Alvares was a horse that caught my eye after his run in the Harry’s Half Million By Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes at York, so I want to keep him onside on his handicap debut.

    With a rating of 82 after a two-pound rise from his last run, the gelding by Cotai Glory came from the rear of the field on the wrong side of the pack to finish a good fourth.

    Arizona Blaze, who finished second, brought Group form into the race, so the form looks better than average.

    Furthermore, from his debut run at York, Yah Mo Be There (second) has won a Listed race since and Andesite (first) was chucked straight into Group 2 company on his next run.

    Having run well on good to soft and good to firm before, any ground is fine for him.

     

    5:10 Doncaster – Defence Missile @ 9/2 with William Hill – 1pt Win

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    From one nursery handicap to another, Defence Missile looks like a worthy bet off a mark of 79 with the first-time cheekpieces applied.

    On debut, he finished second to Mr Chaplin who has a rating of 96 having won a Class 2 handicap at Goodwood subsequently.

    Two starts later, he was a good third in a Salisbury novice stakes when trying to make all, form that looks good as Royal Playwright ran well behind Field Of Gold in the Solario Stakes and Original Outlaw chased home Mr Chaplin in that handicap at Goodwood.

    The son of Sottsass is a well-bred horse running in a 0-80, and with a run on the all-weather 22 days ago under his belt, he should be primed to go well here.

  • St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day One

    St Leger Festival 2024 | Four To Follow – Day One

    It’s the final classic of the year, the St Leger Festival at Doncaster. This Festival allows us to not only crown the winner of the oldest classic, but also to watch out for the future with plenty two-year-old action too. Today on day one, two-year-olds in the form of a £300,000 sales race and a Group Two. Plus the fillies’ St Leger, the Park Hill Stakes.

     

    Looking Out Below

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    2:25 – Scientific £300,000 2-Y-O Stakes – Caburn @ 4/1 (General)

    The form from this race always seems to come from York, whether it be a nursery, the sales race or any group race from the Ebor Festival. Caburn possesses, possibly, the best form in the race after racing in the Gimcrack. The third, Symbol Of Strength won on Saturday at Kempton when Caburn finished fifth. Caburn also won the Newbury Super Sprint, which is another tick in the formbook. He’s won two races on firm ground and won’t mind the good ground so long as there’s pace.

    Another horse coming down from group company is Victory Sound. He was in the same race as Field Of Gold, who won in impressive style. Whilst the form is untested, Victory Sound should be suited by both ground and trip and level. He clearly wasn’t good enough for group level, and this should be a nice toe-in for handicap company in the future. 20/1 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Month Number One

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    3:00 – Betfred May Hill Stakes (Group Two) – January @ 8/1 (BetVictor)

    For this race, form seems to come from various outlets, but all are usually either Listed or Group company. The favourite for me, is ruled out on that basis having only competed in two novice races.

    Whilst Ryan Moore has elected to ride Ecstatic, I’m opting for January and Sean Levey. She won the Listed Churchill Stakes at Tipperary by four lengths, quite impressively. She’s also joint-top rated at 100, and has the breeding to match, being by Kingman. She also has ground form having broke her maiden on good ground back in June.

    However, Ashnoda has plenty to go for at a bigger price. She won the Prestige Stakes at Goodwood on soft ground, and seems to be rather versatile after winning on firm ground on debut. The form is untested and is steadily, yet impressively. Also joint-top rated she has much more of a say than her 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor) price suggests.

     

    Midnight Glitter

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    3:35 – Betfred Park Hill Stakes (Group Two) – Night Sparkle @ 7/2 (General)

    It’s a tricky race the Park Hill, but one horse looks to win her first race of the season. Night Sparkle has been extremely unlucky twice this season over 14 furlongs. Her defeats in the Lillie Langtry and Bronte Cup spells out that she loves the trip and looks like opposition that shouldn’t threaten her too much. Good ground won’t bother her either, having finished second in those narrow defeats on good-to-firm and good-to-soft.

    One horse who can say she has won over the distance is the rather looked over Grateful for Aidan O’Brien. The wrong race tactics were applied last time in the Lillie Langtry, as she languished towards the rear. Her win at Fairyhouse showed her up with the pace and holding on strong towards the finish. With the three-year-old weight allowance, she should be shorter than 13/2 (William Hill, BetVictor).

     

    Rock The Boat

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    4:10 – Pertemps Network Handicap – Harper’s Ferry @ 4/1 (General)

    Harper’s Ferry comes into handicap company from a Royal Ascot Group Two. The form from the King Edward VII isn’t great, however Calandagan did finish second behind the best horse in the world, City Of Troy, in the International Stakes. He hasn’t been given top weight, which should play into his advantage. Plus the step down in trip back to 10 furlongs will suit once again.

    The very best of luck!

  • Four To Follow: Sprint & Stay

    Four To Follow: Sprint & Stay

    It’s a busy weekend up and down the country, in a tale of two halves. Up at Haydock, the forecast is dry for a terrific renewal of the Sprint Cup. But down South, it looks a typical Autumn day in Britain with rain covering both Ascot and Kempton. With that in mind, it makes an interesting four to follow.

     

    Haydock

    My Gift To You

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    1:15 – Superior Mile Stakes (Group Three) – Cicero’s Gift @ 100/30 (William Hill, BetVictor, Boylesports)

    It looks a rather competitive Group Three on paper. But take ground into consideration and it’s more an open and shut case. With two runs under his belt, Cicero’s Gift is worth appeal at his price. He won on soft ground in the Coral Challenge by half a length and came out with a good excuse at Goodwood, saying he’d prefer slower ground. He’s got that today and is the only horse in the field with soft ground favourability. He’s a favourite who should deliver.

     

    Captain Jack

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    3:35 – Sprint Cup Stakes (Group One) – Bucanero Fuerte @ 8/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    For those who don’t know, Bucanero Fuerte roughly translates as Mighty Pirate into English. And this swashbuckling horse can certainly make an impact in this Group One sprint. He’s been off the track with an injury, but not before he achieved a Group Three victory at The Curragh. Read further into his form as a two-year-old and his win in the Phoenix Stakes speaks volumes, when beating Porta Fortuna by four lengths. Top rated and a force to be reckoned with.

    Each-way value belongs to Jasour, a sprinter who’s gone quietly about his business this season. He started off with a win in the Commonwealth Cup trial, before finishing third in the race proper. Then a sixth against the older horses wasn’t too harmful to his performance. The extended break has given him time to freshen up and is on the right side of the draw. 12/1 (BetVictor).

     

    Kempton

    A Group Three Phenomenon

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    2:35 – Unibet September Stakes (Group Three) – Hamish @ 2/1 (William Hill)

    In recent years this race has been used for a trail for the Arc in France. However, this year looks unlikely. But there’s one horse who’s won Group Three races at a canter. And that’s Hamish. In fact he won this exact race back in 2021. After the season he has had, it’s hard to abandon him after his blip at Newmarket, and Lion’s Pride doesn’t look a Group horse in any shape or form.

     

    Ascot

    Say A Little Prayer

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    2:10 – Chapel Down Heritage Handicap – The Reverend @ 4/1 (William Hill)

    The Reverend has put in a good shout for his past three performances. Especially his heavy form debut, gives him an upper hand against the opposition. His dam has produced middle distance horses before, so trip shouldn’t be an issue. However with five pounds raised for nearest rival Goodwood Odyssey, the weights for The Reverend look very attractive.

    The very best of luck!

     

  • Four To Follow: Two Hot To Trot

    Four To Follow: Two Hot To Trot

    After the Ebor Festival we resume some normaialty. But it’s all about the two-year-olds at Sandown with the Solario Stakes. Plus sprint action from Beverley and big handicap action over in Ireland too. It’s a normal-ish Saturday on Four To Follow

     

    Sandown

    Tam-fantastic

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    2:25 – Atalanta Stakes (Group Three) – Tamfana @ 11/10 (BetVictor)

    Dropping down from three Group One’s to a Group Three seems dramatic. So does stepping down half a furlong. But David Menuisier seems to be taking the right approach with Tamfana. She came close to winning the French Oaks, but maybe the Grand Prix de Paris was a bit too much for her. But don’t worry about her credentials over this trip, as her mare only ran at this mile. Plus, champion jockey-elect Oisin Murphy has been given the leg up. All positive signs for the French filly.

     

    Two Shakespearean

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    3:35 – Solario Stakes (Group Three) – Royal Playwright @ 5/2 (William Hill, BetVictor)

    This two-year-old race has produced some decent individuals in recent years. The likes of Masar, Too Darn Hot and Reach For The Moon come to kind. But Royal Playwright looks a good type. From the same family as Strensall Stakes winner See The Fire, he’s got a reputation with good black type in his pedigree. He won by three lengths on debut, on similar ground that it is at Sandown. The second got to within a neck of the winner at Goodwood, to suggest the form might pay dividends.

     

    Beverley

    Royal Household

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    2:05 – William Hill Beverley Bullet (Listed) – Clarendon House @ 11/2 (William Hill)

    It’s surprising that Clarendon House has had a little drift at time of writing. Even with a penalty he’s still top rated and is dropping form a Group One to Listed level too. His last win over five at the Curragh was in Listed company. He loves firm ground too, but his draw could be a letdown. However, due to the lack of runners in the Beverley Bullet, draw shouldn’t matter that much as he’s drawn in the one next to outside stall. But top rated, and able to go on ground puts him in pole position.

     

    The Curragh

    Genuine Contender

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    4:35 – Irish Cambridgeshire (Premier H’cap) – Genuine Article @ 15/2 (General)

    Irish handicaps can be a tricky minefield to navigate. But luckily one stat is proven. Favourites rarely win. Last year saw the shortest priced winner in 10 years at 8/1, so it makes sense to look elsewhere for a bit of value.

    Genuine Article was last seen finishing second at the Galway Festival, after finishing third the time before. This signalled some attention when it came to this race. Only up three pounds, but a useful claimer takes three pounds off to leave him at the same mark as his last run, which should say he should go close. Good ground will suit him, and form suggests there’s been some preparation for this race.

    Johnny Murtagh always seems to target the big races as a trainer, just like he did as a jockey. Blues Emperor has been, very handily, reduced three pounds by the handicapper. But not only that, he has a five-pound claimer who got a winner five days ago. The son of Gleneagles finished a really narrow second this year and is five pounds lower too. There are signs he’s been campaigned with this race in mind. 14/1 (General).

    But it’s not one. It’s two for Mr JP Murtagh. Shayzaan for the Aga Khan also looks to have had this race in mind after he finished within a neck to Snellen of level weights. Before that he finished third in the big €52k Nasrullah handicap and has risen two pounds in his last two races. Quiet consistency and has preferred jockey Ben Coen on board. Interesting at 14/1 (William Hill).

    The very best of luck!

  • York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Four Selections

    York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Four Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own Country as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day four is jam packed with handicaps, including both the Melrose and the £500,000 Ebor handicap, the richest in the country. Who will see their name printed on a ticket to Melbourne t around 3:30, and what about the others. Find out below.

     

    Big Race View

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    The Ebor handicap is the big race of the day and there are plenty of factors and fancies in this race, so I’ve managed to whittle it down to about three. Criteria for me is performed on good-to-firm ground, won over a mile and four and at least raced over a mile and six, the trip for the Ebor.

    Magical Zoe could follow in Absurde’s footsteps by competing and winning in the two different racing classes. Known for her efforts behind Ebor winner Absurde in the County Hurdle, she won over a mile and five breaking her flat maiden. She then competed in a Group three at Fairyhouse, finishing a respectable third. Her mark is in the hundreds, and she has the shortest route around coming out of stall one.

    Fairbanks was a narrow loser at Glorious Goodwood, but comes into this handicap two pounds well-in, which is a huge advantage. Not only has he won over a mile and four, but has done it over a mile and six and proved that firm ground is suitable for him last time out. However, he’ll have to overcome a wide-ish draw to win.

    Naqeeb has been looking to build for this race. After below-par group efforts, he put in a good performance at Goodwood over two miles. As a three-year-old he won over 14 furlongs at Haydock, so he’s no novice to this kind of distance. And last time out also proved he can cope with conditions too.

    Big Race Bet: Ebor Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Magical Zoe @ 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Fairbanks e/w @ 12/1 (General), Naqeeb e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    Not top of the card, but the Julia Graves Roses Stakes is a hot little contest with form to watch out for.

    Despite Big Mojo’s fourth (blame the draw), Celandine has backed up the form for Mr Lightside. Clearly bred to sprint, he has to overcome stall 13 which is a negative. But with two-year-old races, they don’t often follow the form of the older horses and maybe Mr Lightside’s speed will get the better of the field.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Mr Lightside @ 11/4 (BetVictor)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    For this handy handicap I’m looking at the Constantine handicap, the newest heritage handicap on the calendar.

    Summerghand is looking for a third victory in the race, and he isn’t without a shout even if he has been below par in the majority of his races this season. Maybe a heartfelt wager would be suitable.

    But Elmonjed has pretty much everything going for him in the race. He is drawn in stall two, where the bias has been all week. Can handle the firm conditions and finished third in the Macmillan Sprint earlier this season. On top of that he’s only been raised three pounds for his latest win at Windsor and has risen one pound throughout his three-year-old career, after dipping into the eighties. A clear improver and a favourite worth backing.

    Handy Handicap Bet: Constantine Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Elmonjed @ 11/2 (General), Summerghand e/w @ 9/1 (William Hill)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Strensall Stakes (Group Three) – See The Fire @ 5/2 (William Hill), T/Cast: See The Fire, Alyanaabi, Phantom Flight
    14:25 – Melrose Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Spaceport e/w @ 16/1 (General), Going Remote e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill), Mo Ghille Mar e/w @ 25/1 (General)
    15:00 – City Of York Stakes (Group Two) – Audience @ 11/8 (William Hill), F/Cast: Audience, Lake Forest
    15:35 – Ebor Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Magical Zoe @ 10/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Fairbanks e/w @ 12/1 (General), Naqeeb e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill, BetVictor)
    16:10 – Constantine Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Elmonjed @ 11/2 (General), Summerghand e/w @ 9/1 (William Hill), Harry Three e/w @ 18/1 (William Hill)
    16:45 – Julia Graves Roses Stakes (Listed) – Mr Lightside @ 11/4 (BetVictor)
    17:20 – Finale Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Ron O @ 7/1 (William Hill), Oviedo e/w @ 17/2 (William Hill), Chasing Aphrodite e/w @ 18/1 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Three Selections

    York Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Three Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own County as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day Three is all about the Nunthorpe Stakes. It’s Big Evs vs Asfoora for the third time this season. Who’s going to come out on top? Find out with selections for all seven races below.

     

    Big Race View

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    This looks to be a two horse race once again between Britain and Australia. It’s 1-1, so who will come out on top this time?

    As ever the draw is key. And this year far side runners, or low numbers, are preferred. This means that Asfoora has a big advantage over Big Evs who’s drawn one form the stand side rail. With the rain coming, does that suit Big Evs a little, I think not. However, they should run out a belting finish

    Out of the others Starlust has particular appeal to me, given that his record at York is near perfect (211). Asking him to repeat his wins this season at Group One level might be too much. But he should run on for a place.

    Big Race Bet: Nunthorpe Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Asfoora @ 13/8 (William Hill), Starlust e/w @ 16/1 (Boylesports). Asfoora/Big Evs – F/cast. Asfoora/BigEvs/Starlust – T/cast

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    Once again this looks another tight York two-year-old contest, but a Goodwood one-two-three should be the form to follow. Winners of this race have come from the Glorious meeting, which is often the form to follow in the Gimcrack.

    Big Mojo was getting closed down by Aesterius in the final furlong at Goodwood. But, I’m adamant when I watch the race again he should hang on for the extra furlong. He steps up to the extra furlong today, he should be able to deliver on his big promise from Goodwood.

    Billboard Star has a lot on his side too. His form from Newmarket has been backed up by Whistlejacket in the Prix Morny and Aomori City at Goodwood. That second came on good-to-soft ground and he should finish for a place on that basis.

    Cool Hoof Luke finished ahead of Billboard City in the Vintage Stakes and should take liking to good ground, and all ground, if going on sires form. This looks to be the race of future sires and expect it to be competitive, with plenty of value on offer.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Gimcrack Stakes (Group Two) – Big Mojo @ 7/2 (William Hill, Unibet), Billboard Star e/w @ 18/1 (888Sport, Boylesports), Cool Hoof Luke e/w @ 20/1 (General)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    We’re taking a look at the fifth race on the card, the mile-and-a-quarter Fillies’ Handicap, where there’s definitely value to get stuck into.

    Albeit, it’s with the favourite, but Power Of Destiny should not be up a solitary pound for finishing within a head last time out at Windsor. Ground-wise he should be able to go on anything good to good-to-firm, which should be the ground reading by about 12:30 in the afternoon. One pound plus a consistent debut season should not go ignored.

    Neither should Bint Al Daar, becasue she finished second to Karmology in her one but previous start. Who, if it wasn’t for Scenic, would have finished much closer in the Galtres Stakes. As it happens, she went and won her race at Wolverhampton for team East and is only up four pounds for the run. She should have ability to run all grounds if that win is to go by.

    Handy Handicap Bet: York EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Power Of Destiny @ 5/1 (General), Bint Al Daar e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Sky Bet Heritage Handicap – Lieber Power @ 8/1 (William Hill, Betfred, Boylesports), Track Of Time e/w @ 40/1 (William Hill, Boylepsorts)
    14:25 – Lonsdale Cup (Group Two) – Quickthorn @ 12/1 (General), Quicktorn/Point Lonsdale/Vauban – T/cast
    15:00 – Gimcrack Stakes (Group Two) – Big Mojo @ 7/2 (William Hill, Unibet), Billboard Star e/w @ 18/1 (888Sport, Boylesports), Cool Hoof Luke e/w @ 20/1 (General)
    15:35 – Nunthorpe Stakes (GROUP ONE) – Asfoora @ 13/8 (William Hill), Starlust e/w @ 16/1 (Boylesports). Asfoora/Big Evs – F/cast. Asfoora/BigEvs/Starlust – T/cast
    16:10 – EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Power Of Destiny @ 5/1 (General), Sound Angela e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill, Unibet), Bint Al Daar e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill)
    16:45 – Convivial Maiden – Ultrasoul @ 9/2 (William Hill, Unibet), Arabian Angel e/w @ 16/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Bowen Island e/w @ 33/1 (William Hill)
    17:20 – Mile Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Dosman @ 9/2 (General), Mount Teide e/w @ 7/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet), Tokenomics e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Versatile Vauban Eyes Lonsdale Cup

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Versatile Vauban Eyes Lonsdale Cup

    With the Juddmonte and Yorkshire Oaks in the books, Ebor 2024 rolls into Friday and as a taster for the Nunthorpe main event later on, Vauban is looking to make a mark in the Lonsdale Cup.

    One of the longer trips of the Festival, the distance just a fraction over 2m is one for the Group 2 stayers, as the British Champions Series heads full-steam toward the end of the season.

    A race won in previous editions by Coltrane, the bolt-up Quickthorn in 2022 and three times by the mighty Stradivarius, this contest has separated the colts from the geldings.

    So could Vauban be the latest entrant into the race’s winner’s circle and hand trainer Willie Mullins a second race win?

     

    Making the switch

    The notion of jumps runners switching to the flat has often been scoffed at, but Vauban has been something of trailblazer in that regard.

    Having spent his maiden year in France on the flat, the 6yo French gelding looked to have made the switch over hurdles a permanent one.

    However, after back-to-back four-race terms, the son of Galiway could not recapture his first season of transition, winning the Triumph Hurdle and Ballymore Champion 4YO Hurdle in the space of a month in early 2023.

    It was earlier this year as a runner-up at Punchestown in looking to complete a Champion Hurdle successive double, Vauban already had his eyes on Royal Ascot.

    And with Willie Mullins in the yard, preparations seldom are in better shape.

    Not least as a man with one victory in this race already under the belt – which, for a jumps trainer is no mean feat – but who has made becoming a UK turf maestro his goal during the last two terms.

    Indeed, making his first flat outing in just under two years at the Royal Meet in 2023, Vauban surged to victory in the Copper Horse. He had not missed a beat.

    Yet, Group 1 success still eludes him on his racing code of choice.

    It has been four races in the space of a year since his last win but now, with Vauban and Mullins showing no intention of returning to the jumps, the signs are there a big result could be coming.

    Finishing well down the field in November’s Melbourne Cup, a spirited fourth in the Ascot Gold Cup pointed at a changing of fortune.

    So, could the Lonsdale Cup be a step back in the right direction?

     

    Contenders

    The bookies rate Vauban’s chances highly this week at 3/1 with William Hill, but an already red-hot this week, Aidan O’Brien and Ryan Moore duo are a sizeable obstacle in the way.

    Point Lonsdale is also looking for a way back to the elite, and is set to be installed as 9/4 pre-race favourite for a contest aptly named.

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    Having broken a winless drought since last year’s May Festival – coincidentally at Chester – AP O’Brien ran him at Saint Cloud last time out, resulting in a third place finish.

    Point Lonsdale has the breeding of former Juddmonte winner, Australia, but can he replicate his father’s run of a decade ago?

    A third runner here, and another to fall to the mighty Kyprios in June’s Gold Cup, Gregory, is again back for more.

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    Put Gregory on soft, good or firm ground, the results have quite simply not come, but with Quickthorn the likely pace angle here, punters are quietly fancying Gregory’s chances in a dash to the post.

    An excellent price we might look at finally, Alsakib won the John Smith’s Silver Cup when last running the Knavesmire, having come fourth in the Copper Horse.

    Though there might be concerns of the baked ground, punters could do worse than to back Andrew Balding’s 4yo at a steady 10/1 price with BetVictor.

     

    The Weatherbys Hamilton Lonsdale Cup Stakes takes place on Friday at 2:25pm UK time.

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Two Selections

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Day Two Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own County as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day Two is full of mouth-watering contests, including the Yorkshire Oaks which sees an open field, including a progressive three-year-old, the one-two from the Irish Oaks and a fans favourite. Who come out on top? Find out with selections for all seven races below.

     

    Big Race View

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    This is a very open renewal of the Yorkshire Oaks, with no definite favourite and plenty of horses with support.

    Queen Of The Pride has excelled this season. She cut her teeth at Haydock by winning the Lester Piggott Stakes narrowly in June and scorched clear of another improving horse, Tiffany, in the Lancashire Oaks. The long straight suits her, but firm ground is an area she hasn’t covered before and could be her Achilles heel.

    Content has been another progressive horse this season. She was the best three-year-old in the Pretty Polly Stakes, then was denied a clear run in the Irish Oaks but rallied well to finish second. However, it looks like she wants rain having raced on fast ground three times and never won.

    You Got To Me may have been a surprise winner of the Irish Oaks, but she held on well and has a little boost from Royal Ascot too. The firm ground should suit her front-running style, but front runners aren’t usually favoured at York, yet Ryan Moore judged City Of Troy’s ride from the front perfectly yesterday.

    Or can Kieran Shoemark finally break his big race curse and deliver Emily Upjohn for the Yorkshire Oaks. She has been disappointing, barring her terrific run in the Pretty Polly. But I favour the three-year-olds more.

    Out of the four top names mentioned, Content is the pick. With a clearer run she should have caught You Got To Me at The Curragh. That’s not to say she’ll face a big fight from a lot of rivals, but she looks a tough horse.

    Big Race Bet: Yorkshire Oaks (GROUP ONE) – Content @ 3/1 (General), You Got To Me e/w @ 9/2 (General) – F/CAST

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    This looks a tight contest for the fillies. Plenty of angles from a mixture of races make it hard to find the right form race to follow. The history of this race also varies with no one path being the right one. However, those bred by sprinters seem to be the ones who come out on top.

    In which case Miss Lamai makes sense. She has two wins to her name and has some Listed form to her name too. Bred by Mehmas, she is a future group sprinter and the step up to six won’t bother her at all. Karl Burke also has a good record in the Lowther, winning it twice since 2019.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Lowther Stakes (Group Two) – Miss Lamai @ 8/1 (William Hill)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    The Clipper Handicap is often very volatile. Very few at the top of the market win this race and we’ve been treated to a few shocks in recent years. 40/1 Ropey Guest last year and 28/1 Cruyff Turn in 2021 hammer home that there is potential throughout the market.

    Two grab attention for me. James McHenry has had a consistent season with a win and two seconds, including losing to La Trinidad at Thirsk last time out. He remains on the same mark whilst La Trinidad suffers with a penalty. He also has won on firm ground which is a big plus and steps up into the big handicap company with a workable weight.

    Metal Merchant started his season with a win in the Spring Cup but has fallen under the radar in requisite runs. However, he’s been dropped a pound for finishing a length behind in the International Stakes at Ascot in fourth and also comes into the race two pounds well-in. Signs look postitive for this York racecourse debutant.

    Handy Handicap Bet: Clipper Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – James McHenry e/w @ 11/1 (General), Metal Merchant e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Lowther Stakes (Group Two) – Miss Lamai @ 8/1 (William Hill), Tales Of The Heart e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill)
    14:25 – Goffs Premier Yearling Stakes – An Outlaw’s Grace @ 4/1 (William Hill), Territorial Knight e/w @ 11/1 (William Hill), Sensorium e/w @ 22/1 (William Hill, BetVictor, Unibet)
    15:00 – Clipper Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – James McHenry e/w @ 11/1 (General), Metal Merchant e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)
    15:35 – Yorkshire Oaks (GROUP ONE) – Content @ 3/1 (General), You Got To Me e/w @ 9/2 (General) – F/CAST
    16:10 – Galtres Stakes (Listed) – Sea Just In Time @ 9/4 (William Hill, Unibet)
    16:45 – EBF Nursery – Spell Master @ 7/1 (William Hill), Original Outlaw e/w @ 13/2, Hot Property e/w @ 14/1 (William Hill)
    17:20 – British EBF Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Alfa Kenellic @ 8/1 (William Hill), Sunfall e/w @ 11/1 (General), Queen Of Mougins e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Familiar Faces Clash In Nunthorpe Reunion

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Familiar Faces Clash In Nunthorpe Reunion

    As Ebor Festival Week rolls into Friday, Day 3’s headline act the Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes, is awash with narrative.

    Won last year by Live In The Dream for Steve and Jolene De’Lemos, a potential trip to the Breeders’ Cup awaits the winner.

    One of the eye-catching contests of any summer, two favourites stand out from the pack, but the challengers await to throw a spanner in the works, in a tale of familiar foes.

     

    Back on Evs keel; Asfoora challenge

    Having rather faded in the King Charles III Stakes at Royal Ascot as 11/4f, Glorious Goodwood saw Big Evs back on top.

    Exacting revenge on a flying Asfoora by a shoulder length in the King George Qatar Stakes, its was just business as usual for Mick Appleby and his hugely likeable colt.

    Still only 3yo, Big Evs has only been beaten once since last years Flying Childers at the St. Leger Festival.

    His own sights will already be on a winning return at Doncaster next month, but before then, Evs looks to make it a York double this term.

    However, just like Big Evs at Goodwood, Australian raider Asfoora will be keen to regain the upper hand, with the ground very much playing ball.

    The duo are set to go off the favourites for the winning post once more, but the company they will keep in the Nunthorpe should be fierce.

     

    Familiar foes

    Of the current start list of 15 runners, six featured in the King Charles III Stakes, of which, the same number went head to head in the King George last month.

    So there is a real feel of the familiar about this contest.

    Not least for Believing, who went head to head with both Big Evs and Asfoora at the Royal Meet and Goodwood, and who here comes with Ryan Moore in tow.

    The duo rode to victory in last month Castletown Sapphire Stakes at the Curragh, as Regional eyes a third win of the season.

    Callum Rodriguez and Regional were bridesmaids at Royal Ascot to Asfoora, and though almost a year since his last victory, it feels like a result is coming for one of the elder statesmen here.

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    Then of course, there is the aforementioned defending champ, Live In The Dream.

    Though winless since his stunning 28/1 defeat of the sadly-departed Highfield Princess, the 5yo gelding showed enough promise in the King George to suggest a strong defence of the crown.

    Meanwhile, Bradsell – also a conqueror of Highfield Princess last season at a big price – makes his return to UK turf a year on from finishing third.

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    Lightly raced, trainer Archie Watson drops his runner in here, carrying a good deal of support at 8/1 with 888sport and comes here off victory in Deauville earlier this month.

    What is clear, the contenders are circling for the this year’s renewal of the Nunthorpe, which could be one of the most competitive in recent years.

    Big Evs and Asfoora may not have it all their own way on the Knavesmire.

     

    The Coolmore Wootton Bassett Nunthorpe Stakes takes place on Friday at 3:35pm UK time.

  • Ebor Festival 2024 | Day One Selections

    Ebor Festival 2024 | Day One Selections

    Racing heads to God’s Own County as York hosts the prestigious Ebor Festival. Day One is full of mouth-watering contests, including the Juddmonte International which sees City Of Troy face his biggest challenge yet on the Knavesmire. Can he step up to the challenge? Find out with selections for all seven races below.

     

    Big Race View

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    This is by far the best renewal of the Juddmonte International for a long time. 13 runners head to post, led by the Ballydoyle superstar City Of Troy. What challenges await him, and is he up to the challenge?

    First he has to overcome his issue of hanging to the right. At Epsom, he was led away by a loose but there was no excuse at Sandown. It’s a half-mile straight at York, and his big galloping style will definitely suit and he should iron out that issue. And despite not running on firm ground, he’s by two horses that relish fast conditions. He’s value whilst he’s odds-against.

    Looking down the market, Ambiente Friendly should also run a good race. Bred for this distance by a miler and out of an unbeaten mile-and-quarter mare, he should relish the drop in trip after two tough Derby tests.

    Value is undoubtedly with the French horse, but not Calandgan. For me, Zarakem ran a stormer of a race in the Prince of Wales’s at Ascot, and was close to running down Auguste Rodin. It’s his preferred distance and seems to go on any ground. I don’t think he’ll win, but he’ll be mighty close.

    Big Race Bet: Juddmonte International Stakes (GROUP ONE) – City Of Troy WIN @ 11/8 (General), Ambiente Friendly e/w @ 15/2 (William Hill), Zarakem e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)

     

    Juvenile Jotter

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    This race has been deemed an open and shut case by the bookmakers. There’s a 15.5 point gap between second favourite The Lion In Winter and third favourite Wimbledon Hawkeye. Only one favourite has won in the past 10 years and Charlie Appleby has never won the race. Aidan O’Brien has not won the race since 2000, so it makes sense to look elsewhere.

    Yaroogh is my choice, as all horses from the last ten years have come out of either maidens or novices races. He’s one of the more experienced after last in a hot Newmarket maiden in April, then readily won at Haydock with the form backed up from that race. He’s yet to prove himself on firm ground, but he’s progressive and should be stepping up to middle distances at three.

    Juvenile Jotter Bet: Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group Three) – Yaroogh @ 22/1 (Boylesports)

     

    Handy Handicap Guide

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    This meeting is peppered with handicaps, with Northern trainers all aiming there horses throughout the season for these valuable races. No less so than in our first race the Symphony Handicap. This sprint race has been won seven times out of the last 10 years by Northern trainers, and one horse has been aimed specifically for this race.

    Jm Jungle, who finished a tight third in last year’s contest hasn’t had a great season. But he is racing off a mark of 88, four pounds lower than last year. He’s also in a significant place in the draw. He’s in the low numbers, where there is an identified pace setter. Knowing he’s been targeted at this race, on a lower mark than last year and in a nice draw make the choice a bit easier in a highly competitive race.

    Handy Handicap Bet: Symphony Group Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Jm Jungle e/w @ 10/1 (General)

     

    Selections:

    13:50 – Symphony Group Handicap (Hertiage H’cap) – Jm Jungle e/w @ 10/1 (General), Tees Spirit e/w @ 25/1 (General), Squealer e/w @ 33/1 (William Hill)
    14:25 – Tattersalls Acomb Stakes (Group Three) – Yaroogh @ 22/1 (Boylesports), Diablo Rojo e/w @ 25/1 (General), Rajeko e/w @ 25/1 (General)
    15:00 – Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group Two) – Los Angeles @ 13/8 (William Hill)
    15:35 – Juddmonte International Stakes (GROUP ONE) – City Of Troy WIN @ 11/8 (General), Ambiente Friendly e/w @ 15/2 (William Hill), Zarakem e/w @ 12/1 (William Hill)
    16:10 – Stayers Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Knightswood @ 15/2 (William Hill), Forza Orta e/w @ 9/1 (General)
    16:45 – ITM Fillies’ Handicap (Heritage H’cap) – Got To Love A Grey @ 11/2 (Betfred, Boylesports), Designer e/w @ 10/1 (William Hill)
    17:20 – Nursery Handicap – Artagnan @ 6/1 (William Hill), Cayman Tai e/w @ 17/2 (William Hill)

    Best of Luck!